Girdle



y 1950 R. s. FORD 2,506,826

GIRDLE Filed June .19, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR BY W ATTORNEYS.

ya 1950 R. 8. FORD 2,506,826

GIRDLE Filed June 19, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 R AZIZwaZ INVENTOR BY V 1 ATTORNEYS iatentecl May 9, 1956 UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE 1 Claim. (Cl. 2-37) This invention relates to a girdle or similar garment, and has for its primary object the provision of a girdle of novel design, embodying the use of an all-elastic sectional formation, corresponding in area, and in direction of stretch, to the main outer muscles of that portion of the body covered by the garment.

In this connection, it is a tendency of the muscles of the body to become weaker from continual wearing of a girdle or corset of conventional form, by reason of the fact that the muscles are not able to obtain sufficient exercise. It is an important object of the invention, in this regard, so to design a girdle as to provide a firm, natural support for the body, while yet allowing the muscles to function freely, and in a fully natural manner.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a girdle which, by reason of the novel design embodied therein, whereby muscular movement is permitted to an unusual extent, will correct several typical figure faults, and which will be conducive to better health by reason of affording a natural support for the organs, aiding proper posture, and permitting more freedom of movement with greater comfort.

It is a further important object of the invention to provide a girdle which, while permitting freedom of body movement in the manner described, is yet adapted to give only slightly, relatively speaking, in a direction transversely across the body surface, thus permitting only a minimum spreading of hips and body.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a garment of the type described which can be adapted readily to various types of garments. including corsets, athletic belts for men, and girdles of various types.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts, hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claim, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Referring to the drawings Figure 1 is a front elevational view of one type of girdle constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view. Figure 3 is a front elevational view of another type of girdle.

Y Figure 4 is a rear elevational View.

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a com-- bination corset and girdle.

Figure 6 is a rear elevational view.

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a mans athletic belt constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 8 is a rear elevational view.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, there is shown in these figures a girdle which in general out-- line is of substantially conventional formation. However, in assembling the girdle, a novel formation of panels of special qualities and action is provided in accordance with the invention. Disposed centrally of the front of the girdle, and

constituting a middle upper portion therefor, is a vertically disposed oblong panel 5, which may bedesignated as the upper middle panel. This is of relatively elongated formation, and is preferably provided at its lower end with a curvedportion 6. This panel is formed of a one-way stretch elastic or elastic cloth material, and is' so cut from such material that when assembled with the remainin portions of the girdle, it will stretch in a direction indicated by the arrowin the drawing, that is it will extend upwardly and downwardly, but so far as transverse stretching is concerned, its longitudinal sides 1 are capable of being moved away from each other only slightly.

On each side of the upper middle panel 5 are upper side panels 8. These are of relatively en- 3 zoidal. So as to be fitted readily and conformably to the shape of the upper middle panel 5, the lower front corner of each upper side panel 8 is formed with a tapered prolongation 9, curved along one side so as to conform to the curved lower end 6 of the upper middle panel 5. Stitching ID is used to connect the panel to the front edges of the panels 8.

In this connection, the panels 8 are also formed, so far as their front portions are concerned, of one-way stretch material, the panels being so cut from the material that when positioned in assembling the girdle, they will stretch obliquely in directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 1.

From the above, it may be noted that the upper middle panel 5, in general shape and area, corresponds to the rectus abdominis muscle of the body. In this connection, not only does this panel correspond in general area and shape to this muscle, but also, it is stretchable in direc-' tions corresponding to the movement of this muscle of the body. The upper side panels 8, further, correspond to the external oblique muscles, not only in area and general shape," but also in their direction of stretch.

From the above, it is immediately apparent that the panels 5 and 3, while efiectively retaining the portions of the-body covered thereby in proper form, are yet adapted to permit free and normal movement of the muscles of the body, permitting not only greater comfort over girdles of conventional construction, but also, permitting the muscles to obtain the needed exercise. Yet, the material from which the panels are formed is so cut, and the panels so arranged, that stretching in undesirable directions reduced to no more than a requisite minimum, thereby preventing spreading of the hips and body.

Referring now to Figure 2, I provide upper rear panels II, which separately are preferably in the form of right triangles. When positioned adjacentto each other as shown, the overall effectv is that of an inverted isosceles triangle, the; upperrear panels ll being stitched as at I2, or

otherwise suitably fastened, along one side, to

provide a vertical searn disposed centrally of the bacl; portion of the girdle.

It'is an important characteristic of the upper rear panels ii that they extend, so far as their r lower ends are concerned, only to the coccyx, as shown at [3, which, so far as the humanbodyis concerned, is thepoint of lower connection of the latissiinus dorsi muscles. The upper rear panels ll, in this connection, not only each correspond 111. area and shape to these muscles, but also, as

shown by the arrows inFigure 2, stretch in a direction corresponding to the movement of said muscles. I

The outer or upper corners of the upper rear panels ll extend around the sides of the girdle, and are stitched to small transverse pieces l 5 formed of one-way stretch material adapted fer stretching in a direction indicated by the. arrows in Figure 1. As a result of this particular construction, sufiicient expansion inv a direction transverse to the body is permitted, to permit the girdle to be worn with comfort, and at the same time, the assembly as shown forms a non-roll top for the girdle.

The ends I6 of a tape I! are secured at the and side edges of the panels II, and this tape is extended fully around the'girdle, in a transverse direction, the intermediate portion thereof being positioned at the curved lower end 6 of the upper middle panel This tape is preferably formed of a heavy two-way stretch material, and not only serves as an unusually efiiicient reinforcement for the girdle, but also, by reason of the particular manner in which it is connected to each panel adjacent thereto, it permits the desired movement of each panel without interference by, or undue strain imposed upon, any other panel.

Along the upper edge of the tape H, the lower edge of each panel 8 is secured thereto by stitching i8. Bottom side panels is of pentagonal conformation are secured along their upper edges by stitching 2i] to the bottom edge of the tape ll. Thus, it is seen, that the bottom side panels l9, which stretch in a direction different from that of. the panels 8, neither interfere nor are interi'ered with, the panels 8, since the panels 8 are not directly connected to the panels 19, there being a spacing material, defined by the tape ll, of two-way stretch qualities, which absorbs the necessary tension.

. Referring further to the lower side panels l9, these are of enlarged formation, extending from the sides of the front portion of the garment fully around the greatest part of the lower rear portions thereof. The front edges of these panels are secured by stitching 2| to tapes '22 disposed at either side of the center of the front part of the garment, and extending from the bottom edge thereof divergingly and upwardly until they intersect the tape H, to which they are secured.

, So far as the upper part of the back edges of the panels it are concerned, these are angularly formed, correspondingly to the point of the triangle defined \by the connected panels H, to which they are secured by stitching 23. The lower part of the back edge of each panel [9' is curvingly formed, so that they may be secured by stitching 24 to a lower rear center piece 25 of widely tapering formation. The lower rear center piece 25 is preferably formed of a one-way stretch material, cut to stretch in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2. The lower side panels IS, in this connection, are of special design, being formed and cut from a material in which the strands of rubber are further apart at their upper ends, than at the bottom of each panel. As a result, these panels stretch somewhat fanv/ise, where-by to permit the legs and hips to move independently, and with full freedom relative to each other, a feature which is not'found in girdles of conventional construction, whereby said portions of'the body are compressed relatively inflexibly, resulting in a stiff, awkward gait. In conjunction with the lower rear center piece 25', a longer stretch is provided when bending the hips.

Completing the formation of the girdle, are trapezoidal lower front panels 2%, which are joined along one side to provide a vertical sea-m centrally disposed of the front of the garment. Along the outer sides of these panels, they are connected by stitching 21 to the adjacent edge of the tape 22, which is formed of heavy twoway stretch material. not directly connected to any other panels, thereby providing for freedom of movement of all the panels, and nonintcrference with each other. These correspond broadly to the pectineus and adductor muscles, both in area, and in the direction in which they are permitted to stretch.

From the above, it may be noted that all the various panels of the girdle are formed, and so Thus, the panels 26 are cut from the elastic material described, as to correspond in area and action to the main outer muscles of the body, permitting freedom of movement of the muscles, and in no way binding upon the muscles or compressing them together.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the invention is there shown as applied to a panty girdle construction. An upper middle panel 28 is secured along its longitudinal sides to upper side panels 29, the upper middle panel 28 being slightly shorter than the corresponding panel in Figure 1, while the panels 29 are of slightly narrower width than the corresponding panels 8. Small expansible pieces 30 are provided, and these are connected by stitching or the like not only to the panels 29, but also to the outer corners of triangular upper rear panels 3|. A tape 32 of heavy two-way stretch material forms the boundary of the lower edges of the upper side panels 29, this tape being positioned slightly higher on the girdle than is the corresponding tape H in Figure 1.

Lower side panels 33 are connected along their upper edges to the bottom edge of tape 32, and along their front edges are connected to the adjacent edges of tapes 34. The other edges of the tapes 34 are secured by stitching or the like to lower front panels 35, and the bottom edges of the front panels 35 are secured to one end of a crotch 36, the rear portion of which is enlarged and stitched to the lower back edges of the panels 33.

All the panels are cut from material adapted to stretch in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figures 3 and 4, after the manner of the garment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the garment there illustrated is in the nature of a combined corset and girdle. This embodies the customary bust or brassiere portion, from which is extended a centrally disposed vertical upper middle panel 31, of elongated formation. To the longitudinal edges of the panel 31 are secured the adjacent edges of elongated upper side panels 38, which taper outwardly and downwardly as clearly shown in Figure 5. The panel 31 stretches in a vertical direction, as shown by the arrows in Figure 5, while the panels 38 stretch obliquely in directions toward and away from the center panel. To the outer upper edges of the panels 38 are secured, as by stitching or the like, obliquel formed panels 39, cut from material adapted to stretch transversely, as clearly shown in Figure 6.

The other edges of the panels 39 are secured to the upper parts of the outer edges of elongated narrowly triangular upper rear panels 40, having downwardly extended adjoining tapering extensions 4|. Rear extension panels 42 are formed integrally with the upper side panels 38, extending around the sides of the center portion of the garment, and adjoining the bottom edges of the panels 39 to which they are connected. The rear edges of the extensions 42 are stitched to the upper rear panels 48, as shown in Figure 6. Lower rear panels 43 are provided, connected at their upper edges to the bottom edges of the rear extensions 42 of panels 38. At their rear edges, these are secured to the outer edges of th tapering extensions 4!, and the front edges are extended around the sides of the garment toward the front thereof. The bottom edges of the panels 38, in this connection, are secured to a transverse tape 44, the intermediate portion of which is extended below the lower end of the upper middle panel 31.

Lower front panels 45 have their upper edges secured to the bottom of tape 44, .and along their outer sides, these are secured to the front edges of the panels 43. Panels 45 are connected together, providing a vertical seam centrally disposed of the front of the garment.

A rear bottom panel 45 completes the formation of the garment, and this stretches in vertical directions, to provide ready bending of the hips;

All the above designated panels are cut from material substantially of one-way stretch qualities, and are so cut and arranged relative to each other as to stretch in the directions indicated by the arrows in Figures 5 and 6. As previously set forth in detail, these panels correspond bothin area and in direction of movement to the muscles of the body which they overlie.

In Figures 7 and 8, I have illustrated the invention as embodied in a man's athletic belt. This has a front center panel 41, extending from top to bottom of the garment, and secured along its longitudinal sides to side panels 48, formed of one-way stretch material that stretches in opposed oblique directions, corresponding to the muscles of the body which they overlie. Rear panels 49 are connected together along one side, to provide a vertical seam at the back of the garment, and the outer sides of these panels 49 diverge obliquely, and are stitched to the rear edges of the panels 48. Small triangular panels 5|! of one-way stretch material are stitched to the lower portion of the front panel 41, and to the obliquely extended front bottom edges of the panels 48.

From the above, it is seen that in a garment formed in accordance with the invention, full latitude is given the muscles of the body, whereby to permit a freedom of movement not enjoyed previously in garments of the same general type. In addition, the basic functions of such a garment, that is, the retaining of the portions of the body covered for the purpose of improving the appearance thereof, are still discharged with full efficiency, since the garment constructed in accord ance with the invention stretches transversely only a requisite minimum amount. Notwithstanding the fact that the retaining function is fully discharged, freedom of walking, and of all normal movements of the body and of the muscles thereof, is fully permitted. Decided advantages are found, therefore, as an example, in that not only is a healthful type of comfort enjoyed, but also, sports may be actively engaged in without the uncomfortable results experienced in wearing conventiona1 type foundation garments while so actively engaged.

What is claimed is:

A girdle comprising connected panels having individual correspondence with the main exterior muscles of the portions of the human body covered by the girdle, said panels being individually coextensive with the muscles they respectively overlie in shape, area, and direction of stretch, said panels comprising an upper front middle panel of oblong shape and disposed vertically and limited to vertical stretching, upper side panels of approximately trapezoidal shape secured to opposite sides of the upper front middle panel and extended around the sides of said girdle and terminating in triangular extensions at the rear side portions of the girdle, said upper side panels stretching in a direction extending obliquely from the vertical and upwardly and outwardly from the opposite sides of the upper front middle panel, a pair of upper rear panels secured to and disposed between the triangular extensions and con- 7 meted together to define at the uppr rear of the girxlle Ian inverted isosceles triangle, each' of said uppenrear panels stretching obliquely from the vertical, bottom side panels clisposed below said upper: rear panels and triangular extensions at the rear of the girdle and-formed approximately inthe shape of "a, pentagon, said bottom side P nels extending around :the sides of the-girdle to=the front thereof and stretching in directions 0p site the respective upper rear panels #and obli uely :from the vertical, an approximately tr angular lower rear center piece having its-apex intersecting withthe apex of said isosceles triangleand stretching vertically, and lower "front panels "disposed below the upper front-middle panel and of approximately trapezoidal shap'e, said lower front panels stretching obliquelyrfrom thewertlcal fn alrections'opposite the respective upper side-panels. V

ROBERTAS. FORD.

REFERENCES CITED Theiollowin'g references are of record-in the file '01 this ipatent:

UNITEDSTATES PATENTS {0 Number Name Date 210525163 lzBr'own c Aug. .25, 1936 2341 5882 'Scr-ig'gins Feb. 15,:1944

FOREIGN 'PA'IENTS {5 Number *Country .Date

10,361 Australia Dec. 7, 1933 

